Global controllability tests for geometric hybrid control systems

Abstract

This paper introduces a novel geometric framework to define and study hybrid systems. We exploit the geometry and topology of the set of jump points, where the instantaneous change of dynamics takes place, in order to gain controllability for the system. This approach allows us to describe new global controllability tests for hybrid control systems. We illustrate these results with several examples where none of the continuous control systems are controllable, but the associated hybrid system is controllable because of the characteristics of the jump set.